I-539 Biometric Service Fee No Longer Required Starting October 1, 2023

By Deepika Singh and Angelita Chavez 

Introduction 

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that beginning October 1^st, it will suspend the biometric service fee requirement for all Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status applicants.

Policy Key Points

• No biometrics fee is required for Form I-539 applications postmarked October 1^st or later.
• For certain applicants who file before October 1^st, the fee must be included, an ASC appointment will still be scheduled, and applicants must attend.
• USCIS has the discretion to decide if an applicant requires biometric services and will issue a notice of appointment.
• Paper-based I-539 applications submitted with a combined filing fee and biometrics fee will be rejected for incorrect filling by USCIS.
• USCIS will accept just the application fee for credit card payments mistakenly authorizing a combined biometric services fee and application fee starting October 1, 2023.

Conclusion 

For any questions or assistance regarding how changes in Form I-539 may affect you, please contact your trusted Chugh, LLP immigration attorney.